HOUSTON - One person was killed and three others injured early Thursday during a shooting at a nightclub in the US city of Houston, local media reported.

The gunfire might have begun after the victim had an altercation with someone in an alley behind the club, police told the Houston Chronicle.

Investigators said they believe the man ran down the alley, possibly to escape the gunfire, and dashed inside the club, where he was shot dead.

The assailant, who was still as large, also shot injured three other bystanders in the crowded club. Police had not released the identities of the victims.

So far investigators had no suspects or motive in the case. No other details were immediately available.